Learning to Play

It's not a hard concept...in theory. But for a special pup like me, playing is an art form I'm still working to master.

The Sheriff attempts to "teach" me the ropes of play by biting my neck, tackling me, or barking in my ear. None of that is appealing to me-my ears ring for hours after those barks!

What I do like to do though, is chase. Oh and barking, when I'm doing it, isn't so bad either. Lucky for me, when the Captain comes to visit, I get to chase and bark at him. Sheriff Padfoot surprisingly enough doesn't like it when pups reciprocate his bad behavior. While I'm still learning the finer points of chasing and/or playing with other pups, I sure enjoy watching Daddy run around and like to encourage him to try harder with the ball. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Furniture is being moved

Sheets are being changed

Rooms are being cleaned

Me thinks something is brewing..but what exactly I'm not quite sure...

I hear there is company coming for a visit. Dad's family that I haven't met yet (except my Aunt Sara and her pup Theo). I have another set of Grandparents-more people to spoil and love me.

Warnings from the humans:

Dougal, not everyone enjoys doggies that jump on laps and then proceed to growl and snarl while demanding to be petted.

But Mom...I am a very vocal puppy and want to make it quite clear that picking things off of me, brushing my fur, or touching my ears are OFF limits. Growling and snarling are good things, right? It means I'm not biting them so I think it's good for everyone.

Dougal, could you maybe not bite AND not growl or snarl? People just want to love you and show you affection

Not likely...

Dougal, please remember that marking on suitcases, pillows, or guests clothes are also not favored by humans.

But Mom, I just want to spread my manly scent so all the other doggies know these are my humans too!

Dougal, we must be a special good puppy for Daddy as it's his birthday. He needs lots of love and licks.

No problem, got that one covered!

One year later...

Labor Day weekend marked the one year anniversary of my arrival at the homestead. What a year! I've learned a lot and made a tremendous of progress from this scared, reactive puppy I was. When I first arrived, I was not a fan of water, having things removed from my fur, leaving toys or bones I should not have, or being petted at night. Happy to say all of those things have been resolved! I let Mommy wipe my paws and remove sticklers from my fur, I sit and look before crossing streets, and most importantly, I play! Not with the Sheriff of course but other doggies-a preference for bigger ones-I love to chase! 

All around a very great first year. Now if only Mom and Dad would give up on the whole "no marking in the house" rule. 

Padfoot Turns 4!

Happy Birthday to my partner in crime (more like the little tattle tail that makes it impossible to get away with anything but since it's his birthday and Mom is making me be nice...)

On the 17th of August, Sheriff Padfoot turned 4. To celebrate this very special day, the humans allowed the Sheriff to dictate every minute of every hour all......day......long. Which meant, up at 7:30am (does he not realize it is Sunday and that means we get to sleep in?), a long walk in the park, playtime in the pool, lots of belly rubs, and best of all? Pupcakes!

No you didn't misread that, it is in fact P-U-P-C-A-K-E-S! Little muffin size goodness full of applesauce, peanut butter, honey, and yogurt all just for us!

I think they are delicious even if the Sheriff tends to turn his nose up at them.Mom even shared with them with all of our pup friends! Overall, not a bad way to celebrate.

Hope for Rescues

Hello Fur Friends and Happy Friday!

While I was not a puppy mill puppy (that we know of), as a rescue with harsh beginnings, the below message applies. Keep heart rescue Mommy and Daddy's-we all get there eventually! Just give us time, love, and really good belly rubs!

Deputy Dougal Detox

Good Morning Pup Friends and Followers-


As most of you may know, I came to the Homestead with some fairly significant issues-biting when I wasn't happy, growling at everything, shyness with other doggies, and most importantly-marking!


Now I do not understand why marking is a problem-I think it adds a much needed decoration and smell to the house, furniture, Christmas Trees that was lacking before but the humans seem to disagree. The countless number of items I have marked have each sent Mom into a tizzy and have lead to many, many long conversations. Talking not having the desired effect they had hoped (did they really think I could understand?), they took to blocking off certain rooms, crating my during the day, and wrapping me in a diaper at night.


I know some doggies, myself NOT included, have real issues their respective homes, clothing, collars, yards smelling like them. The Sheriff will avoid going potty anywhere in a 100 yard radius of the house if he can avoid it. Me? I don't mind at all! Sometimes getting Mommy and Daddy up in the middle of the night is just too much work so what's a few drops here and there while laying in my comfy bed?


After months of never catching me in the act (I can be quite stealthy if I do say so myself), I've been put on a program. A 30 day marking detox so to speak. What does this consist of you, you ask? No fun that's what!


After studying my behavior, Mom and Dad have decided my marking has less to do with my inability to hold my water and more to do that I think I should be the leader of the pack (caught on quick didn't they?) To establish their leadership, I am required to sit and listen to commands before going outside, going for walks, crossing the street, etc. I also have to have supervision every minute of everyday (not as much fun as one would think-no more sneaking down to the basement to pee on the pool table-I was soooo close to marking all 4 legs too!). I am also be quarantined at night so I can't leave the bed even if I wanted to.


Today is Day 7 and so far, I've been a very good boy!! In order to continue a life of harmony and regular treats, I feel it is in best interest to follow along with the humans request. For now. Here's hoping that on my one year anniversary with Mom and Dad (Labor Day weekend) I will be diaper free!

Dougal the Destroyer

Last month, dad had to go away for business and us pups were left with Mom. Usually ok as we can guilt her into more walks and puppy ice cream. Where Mom fails to be awesome is in playing. Dad taught us this cool game that allows us to nip his hands while we wrestle! It's really a lot of fun but Mom is a bit of a softy and therefore can't handle the pain.


**Sheriff-I'm totally telling Mom you said that**


Wince, hmmm no puppy ice cream tonight I guess. Anyway, to combat our boredom with dear ole Mum, she created a new game. She builds a castle of all of my toys and I get to destroy it! I can literally do this for an hour-it is so much fun!

Run Away Dougal

Hey there pup readers!


No need to apologize for the delays anymore is there because we all know its the same old thing-the Sheriff and I demanding our 4 walks a day, plus a swim in the creek means 0 time for blogging in the summer time!


What it does mean though, is that windows and sometimes (if Daddy's forget to close them) doors are left open to let the beautiful, clean air in. As the Sheriff is not one for exploring on his own, Mom and Dad never had to worry about "latched" doors. Well...you see what had happened was....no there really is no excuse, I wanted out and I figured out how to get there. Picture it:


Beautiful, sunny day in June and the windows are open and Mom and Dad are doing yard work and house work. Usually, the Sheriff is allowed to follow them around outside but for my own safety, I am only allowed in the fenced in backyard. Well, one gets tired of being left out all of the time so when Dad went outside, I noticed he latch the front door. Yes! My chance! Up on my backlegs I went and pushed that door wide open. FREEDOM! Yay, I can go anywhere I want and chase whatever comes in my path-no leash, no Mom making me sit if I pull, just me! And off I go on my adventure-do I choose to cross the street and take a walk around the park or should I stick to the neighborhood? Hmmmm choices.....


**Mom picks up the story from her perspective.***


After putting a load of laundry in the washer, I come back upstairs and notice I only have one dog following me around. Nothing particularly unusual about that as Dougal will go lay down on the couch or upstairs on one of the beds to see out the window. I start calling for him at the same time Ben walks back in from the front yard


Mom: "Have you seen Dougal?"
Dad: "No, I thought he was in here with you"
Mom: (looking in all of Dougal's favorite hiding spots-under the coffee table, in his crate, under the bed, etc) "No, I haven't seen him. Wait, Ben he isn't in the house..."


Frantic shoe finding and calling for Dougal outside ensues. Neighbors are called and are searching-Dad tackles the neighborhood, Mom the park. Complete strangers are approached about a missing white dog named Dougal and to please try not to approach him (not a fan of strangers and if approach, will run away).


30 very long, heart wrenching minutes later, Dougal is discovered in the neighborhood on the back end of our block, barking at a squirrel he had treed.


***Dougal picks the story back up***


I know I am not allowed to cross any streets without first sitting and getting permission, therefore crossing into the park would never have worked-neighborhood it is! Off I go trotting down the sidewalk, marking my usual favorite telephone poles, chain linked fences, trees, flower beds, etc. Rats! The sidewalk ends and I have to cross the street. So I sit down and wait for permission. Wait..no one is here to give me permission. Now what do I do? Hmmmmm....ok I'll just take a left and stay on the sidewalk...SQUIRREL!!!!!!


Rats, I almost got him. Come back down here squirrel, I dare ya! Oh hey Dad, did you see the squirrel? I almost got him, did you see? Wait, why are you crying? Why are you picking me up? No, wait Dad, can't we still take a walk around the neighborhood? Oh man....

Rock-a-Bye...Deputy?

Howdy folks-


Busy, busy time at the Homestead-chasing anything that moves, barking at the wind, swimming in the local creek, etc. Mom finally had some time to sit me at the computer so I could catch you all up on my daily activities.


One particular activity we stumbled upon completely by accident but everything thinks it is adorable *yuck* so after some prodding, I agreed to share. Remember, I am one handsome, but sensitive Deputy, so no judging! *Big Sigh* Ok, here goes:


One evening, shortly after I arrived at the Homestead, Mom came home in one pissy mood. To combat the mood, she turned on music and danced around the house like some crazy lady. Well, at first I was a little freaked out by the noise and all of the moving she was doing-what would you call that dance move Mom? Sheriff Padfoot, not one for being held, would follow her around and bite her ankles while I just watched. This is fascinating-someone should post that on whatchamacallit you tube. I decided to give it a try so I very carefully walk over to Mom, careful to avoid the swinging feet and arms and jump up on my two back legs. I can do this, see Mom, I can dance too! She picked me up and we danced!


You may ask yourself why this was such a big deal...well if you remember, I was a pretty anxious pup when I arrived at the Homestead and my parents often doubted whether or not they could help me. Well, my dancing with Mom was the breakthrough we all needed-I was safe and I was happy. I put my head on Mom's shoulder and just swayed with her and the music-quickly falling right to sleep.


One thing about us pups, we have very long memories so the next time I felt anxious about something, I quickly ran to Mom and jumped around on my back two legs. Mom, I need to feel safe and happy again. So she scooped me up and instead of dancing (no music handy at the time) she just started rocking me back and forth, back and forth. Yep, you guessed it, fell right asleep again.


This has continued ever since and as last night was my first full on thunderstorm, Mom was ready with the rocking chair (I tend to get heavy after 10 minutes or so) and she rocked me in the chair until the storm was over.


Pups take note: Rocking and dancing does not make you a sissy-it does however provide you a warm and safe place to hide when life gets a little ruff.


Happy Trails! Licks and love to all!


Deputy Dougal 

Deputy 2, Field Mice 0

It's official-


I'm a mouser. Certified and all or at least, I think I am. What does certified mean anyway? If it means, I walk/run along the fence line searching for small, 4 legged creatures that I then pounce on and give the ole wiggle waggle, then that's me! I'm a mouser!


Dad seems proud, the Sheriff horrified, and Mom a bit thankful the whole catching and shaking of the mouse happens outside rather than in the house.


Now if only that cottontail would come back in to the yard....

Spring Pictures

Mommy took some pretty spring pictures of us boys yesterday and well, I think she got my good side. What do you think and can you tell us apart?

Big boy shots

Mom took the Sheriff and I out yesterday to enjoy the beautiful weather. Unsuspecting pups that we are, we weren't suspicious at all when Mom pulled up at her work for a promises long hike and a visit to the toy store after. Wow, we get Mom for a whole day and treats! It must be my birthday or we won the doggy lottery. 

The hike was so much fun with new green stuff to mark and yucky, smelly things to roll in. I was one happy Deputy so happy that I willingly jumped into the car after the walk as I just knew we were headed to the toy store. Mom briefly mentioned that we had one stop to make before that and we happily agreed-maybe we will get doggy ice cream if we are really good! 

We pull into the parking lot and pile out if the car. Wait....I am experiencing scent overload. Too many doggies and cats....wait I remember this place. This is where you get poked with something that makes your butt hurt all night long. Oh man I don't want to be here and quickly try to jump back into the car except Mom  is quicker and scoops me up while the Sheriff quakes in fear   

Normal routine-check my weight...yet another reminder that those late night bones were a bad idea. Then the doctor walks in. Now knowing how nervous I get around new people, mom makes sure I see the same sweet faced, quiet talking vet who gives me special loves. I like her, I really do. So much so that I let her look into my ears and touch all my paws without trying to take a chunk out of her hand. That is real love in my estimation. 

I get two quick pricks while Mom rocks me-it's my favorite thing in the whole world-really calms me down when I am upset. The Sheriff meanwhile is crouched under the chair peeing all over the floor-he doesn't seem to understand that I am the only pup who will have a sore butt tonight. 

Luckily the appointment didn't last long but everyone in the office was so impressed by oh well I have settled in and how mature I have become. I was quite pleased with myself if I do say. 

We finished off the day with a trip to the ice cream and toy store where I got to pick out a brand new squicker! Yahoo!! As the day was just as traumatic for the Sheriff, he got puppy ice cream to sooth his nerves. All in all a very Good Friday. 

Now time to track that pesky rabbit I hear is supposed to come around tonight.  Yum. 

There Once Was a Screen Porch

So over Christmas, cousin Theo came to visit us at the Homestead. Theo is a mix of all things adorable and resides in Ohio with Dad's sister. As a general rule, I am not a fan of strange dogs staying at the Homestead with the exception of Captain Half-Pint so the whole experience was a bit upsetting for me. One thing I did enjoy about cousin Theo was that he didn't let a screen porch get in his way of chasing outdoor creatures.


The homestead has a lovely screen porch that separates the house from the backyard and us doggies enjoy laying in the shade and cool concrete on hot days. Theo wasn't keen on having to go through a door to get out of the screen porch so he busted through the bottom half of the screen, creating an opening for us pups to come and go at will. As it was a long, cold, snowy winter, the humans didn't fix the screen immediately. Then two weeks ago, the weather got nice and Mom decided to rip the entire screen porch off the frame. Yahoo! More places to run and free access to the flower beds. Yay! Whoopee!!


Last weekend though, all the fun came to an end. The humans, with help from us pups, rescreened the entire porch again along with a whole new frame. It took the ENTIRE weekend which was a bummer for us as we didn't get to go on our weekend hikes. Alas, we again had to come and go through the screen door to get to the backyard.


And then the pesky rabbit came hippity hopping into the yard. Following Theo's example, I just launched myself head first through the bottom screen and busted all of Mom and Dad's weekend work in one swoop. Came darn close to catching the rabbit too. I came trotting back to the house, proud of myself for my efforts to keep the rabbit out of Mom's tulips. She was going to be so proud of me. It was a short feeling of pride as the humans both met me at the door with the tap of foot and crossed arms. Hmmmmm...me thinks I should have gone through the open door . So much for my weekend hike this weekend....pesky rabbit.

What's a Dog to Do?

Spring is in the air...everywhere I look around...


Bad news: My paws, which have recovered over the long winter, growing fur and turning a beautiful white have started to look all red and blotchy again (how can a dog be allergic to grass? Shouldn't have be illegal or something?)

Good news: The rabbit is back! So if you don't remember, there was something in the yard that I came oh so very close to catching one late night in the fall. It squealed loud enough for daddy to hear it which is the only reason Mr. Cottontail was able to hop under the fence and out into the darkness. Otherwise, I would have me a nice little late night snack. Anyway, I searched and smelled and searched and smelled all winter long, waiting for the Cottontail to come back around. Well...my determination paid off because guess who decided to come hopping back into my backyard. Oh he thought he was sneaky, he did. Hanging out under the pine tree, chewing on Momma's tulips. Thought I wouldn't see him tucked back into the corner, scoping out the joint for his next hope. But I did, I did! Oh I ran and came so close to catching him. That pesky, sneaky rabbit though, he had dug himself a little patch under the fence that I wasn't able to fit under. I knew those chewy bones at night where a bad idea..made my hips too big!

I would have dug my way through if it wasn't for Dad's quick thinking and pulling me out from under the tree. So close...I could feel his fur on my nose. I was so proud though I ran into the house and upstairs to tell Mom all about it. She was less than thrilled that this muddy, sap covered Deputy jumped onto the newly washed bedspread though..scooped me right up and into the shower I went. This time I didn't mind so much because I could tell her all about my adventure (and it wasn't as cold as it had been the last time I got a bath). Needless to say, I dreamed of all things furry and cotton tailed last night.

Ohhhhh I can't wait until tonight though...I have a plan...if only the Sheriff will distract the humans for me....grrrrrrrrrrr be ready you pesky rabbit

Bad Mommy

DoggI know, I know, I know. The blog has been sitting, stale and unused. What can I say? Being a mom to 2 adorable boys albeit demanding boys requires 100% attention to ensure everyone is happy an healthy. 

Mom found all of my "secret" pee spots when she took down the Christmas decorations and since then, a crate has been added to the living room as well restrictions on where I can roam. A fun addition has been this clicker thing that Mom uses to get my attention and to come while on walks. The cool thing is every time I come and get in my crate, I get a yummy treat! All in all the training isn't so bad. Not a fan of the gate closing off the upstairs though. One of my all time favorite things was to "mark" all of the curtains and blankets in the bedrooms. Then they would smell like me and ward off the ghost that seems to haunt our house (I seem to be the only one that can sense it's precence.) Needless to say the humans did not approve of my protection strategy. They likely wouldn't have known better either had it not been for the sneaky Sheriff ratting me out each and everytime. Did he really have to sniff those areas and wag his tail at Mom whenever she came into the room? I think not. 

Oh well, Daddy just got home which means lots of extra loves and belly rubs. Here are some new pictures of me to enjoy until I can convince Mom to type again. 

Doggy angels in the snow!

Ready for my morning walk!

Doing my "I'm so cute you can't be mad at me face"

Another First

Greetings everyone!

Since I've been a good boy at the Academy and haven't marked on anything, Mom returned my blogging privileges. Boy oh boy I hope Santa Paws was as good to you all as he was to me! I got lots of rubber squeaky toys and bones in my stocking but the very best present was going to the beach! All that soft dirt to play in and waves to chase. Hey anyone know why I can't seem to catch a wave? 

I had the Merriest of Christmas's and hope you did too!

Bad Mommy

I know, I know, I know we are way behind on the posting but it's not our fault. It's this thing called life-it just keeps getting in the way. Not to mention, I am a pretty popular pup now-Mom says she needs to get us our own planner and personal driver. Isn't that what she is supposed to be??


Until I can convince Mom that she does have time to sit down and write a really long blog about my (mis) adventures, here are some pictures from my 1st Christmas at the Homestead!

Waiting for Santa Paws!

I got a stocking, I got a stocking, I got a stocking!!!

This is supposed to be the Deputy's bone but finder's keepers!

All 3 boys (including Captain Half-Pint) readying themselves for the beach!